Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life from the NBA and fined 2.5million US dollars after being found guilty of making racist comments on tape.

The 80-year-old had found himself at the centre of huge controversy in the USA after American network TMZ had broadcast Sterling apparently telling a girlfriend not to bring black people to the team's games.

His comments had led to Clippers players making a silent protest ahead of their NBA Western Conference play-off series defeat to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday evening, while financial backers have been withdrawing their support for the club.

The NBA has taken a dim view of the furore and a statement on the league's Twitter account revealed Sterling had "violated league rules through his expressions of offensive and hurtful views, the impact of which has been widely felt throughout the league".

He is therefore banned from any association with the Clippers or the NBA, meaning he may not be allowed to attend any games or practice sessions.

The sanction also means Sterling may not "be present at any Clippers office or facility, or participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team".

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at a news conference: " The views expressed by Mr Sterling are deeply offensive and harmful. That they came from an NBA owner only heightens the damage and my personal outrage.

"Sentiments of this kind are contrary to the principles of inclusion and respect that form the foundation of our diverse, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic league.

"I am personally distraught that the views expressed by Mr Sterling came from within an institution that has historically taken such a leadership role in matters of race relations, and caused current and former players, coaches, fans and partners of the NBA to question their very association with the league.

"To them - and pioneers of the game, like Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, Sweetwater Clifton, the great Bill Russell and particularly Magic Johnson - I apologise."

Silver will urge the NBA's governors to force Sterling to sell the Clippers, and the news was hailed by several prominent figures.

"Current and former NBA players now know that in Commissioner Adam Silver we have a great leader leading our league."

Miami Heat star man LeBron James said on the social networking site: "Commissioner Silver thank you for protecting our beautiful and powerful league!! Great leader!! #BiggerThanBasketball #StriveForGreatness."